LISTEN: Prince Charles tries his hand at Irish at Áras an Uachtaráin

Prince Charles tried has hand at Irish at a dinner in Áras an Uachtaráin last night, joking that he 'massacred the language'.

The Prince of Wales and his wife Camilla are currently in Ireland on a two-day visit - their third trip here in as many years.

They attended a dinner hosted by President and Sabina Higgins yesterday evening.

Speaking to guests, Prince Charles began with an effort at the Irish language as he thanked his hosts.

"With many apologies to you, Mr President, for massacring your language," he added.

He also observed: "Whatever happens, I hope you can be confident that there will be no diminishing of the regard the United Kingdom has for the Republic of Ireland - nor a reduction in the commitment of what we have jointly established in more recent years, namely our efforts to encourage reconciliation between the communities who live in both parts of the island of Ireland.

"That effort is one of the main reasons I have felt it so important to keep bothering you with my visits."

He added it would be "too much of a tragedy" if such work was weakened.

Meanwhile, the royal couple have arrived in Kilkenny this morning for the next leg of their royal visit.

They are touring Kilkenny Castle, where they will meet hurling legend Henry Shefflin.

Foreign Affairs Minister Charlie Flangan will also greet the pair later, and they will visit the Curragh in Co Kildare.